In support of Warrant Article 20

Warrant article 20, requests an increase in the motor vehicle registration local option fee from $3.25 to $4 per vehicle, in order to maintain the same level of transportation service to Exeter senior citizens and people with disabilities without impacting the property tax rate.

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seacoastonline.com

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Posted Mar. 7, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Posted Mar. 7, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

To the Editor:

Warrant article 20, requests an increase in the motor vehicle registration local option fee from $3.25 to $4 per vehicle, in order to maintain the same level of transportation service to Exeter senior citizens and people with disabilities without impacting the property tax rate.

TASC-Transportation Assistance for Seacoast Citizens, Lamprey Healthcare Senior Van Service, the Parks and Recreation Department's taxi voucher program and the Rockingham Nutrition Meals-on-Wheels Senior Shuttle Program all have been level-funded by this revenue source for the past few years.

Both the Meals-on-Wheels program and the Coastbus Wheelchair accessible van service use local matching funds in order to receive other government funding to cover their operating costs. Both of these providers have experienced increased use of their services this year. However, funding from federal and state agencies was reduced in 2013, making it very difficult for them to continue to assist those among us who can't use an automobile to make doctor's appointments, receive vital medical treatment or get to stores and pharmacies. The rising costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance only make the task of fulfilling their mission that much more difficult.

I'm sure we all know how challenging it's been just to get around lately as a result of the latest snowstorm-of-the-week. Imagine not having access to reliable transportation other than a wheelchair or crutches. When recovering from an injury or surgery, the lack of an individual's mobility can make the recovery process take even longer. The demographics of the residents of New Hampshire prove that we aren't getting younger as a society. Having this option available helps Exeter maintain its sustainability as a livable community for all age groups.